Episode 24: Ayurveda for Women’s Health

The healing wisdom of Ayurveda offers extensive knowledge for women. Ayurveda guides women to balance their natural body rhythms which are closely linked to nature. According to Ayurveda, healthy menstrual cycles, fertility, and menopause depend on a delicate balance of:

the subtle connection to the lunar circadian clock

the flow of prana and apana vata into the reproductive organs

the ability to handle the impact of stress and nourish the nervous system

digestion

the lymphatic system, which drains the reproductive system and endures healthy menstrual flow and menopause.

balanced hormones

All of these, plus the proper nutrition to support healthy hormone production and regulation are key to understanding women’s health from the Ayurvedic perspective.

Herbs and Supplements:

Manjistha: Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) is a perennial climber that is perhaps best known as a lymph mover and blood purifier. According to Ayurveda, the lymph (rasa) and blood (rakta) are the first tissues to become congested when the body is not detoxifying properly, and subsequently have a domino effect through the other five tissues of the body unless addressed properly in these early stages. Because many menstrual problems are a result of congested lymph, Manjistha is superb support for the female reproductive system, especially during the child-birthing years.

Shatavari: As a reproductive tonic, Shatavari is relied on heavily for all stages of a woman’s reproductive cycle, beginning with the menarche (start of menses), supporting the female system through menses, ovulation and fertility, uterine strength during pregnancy, childbirth and ample lactation (flow and quantity of milk), and hot flashes, irritability, irregular memory and dryness during menopause. Shatavari also builds ojas, our core vitality and the essence of immunity, vitality, virility, and sleep.

Menopause Support: LifeSpa’s Menopause Support is used to support the health of the female reproductive system around menopause, particularly with mild, everyday symptoms. As this transition can be stressful, Menopause Support also provides support for the nervous system during this time of life. As shatavari is the main ingredient in this formula, it can also be used at any time in a woman’s life for healthy menstrual cycle support.

Ojas Nightly Tonic: This sumptuous blend of ojas-building foods and herbs (Ashwagandha and Shatavari) makes it easy to replenish your reserves. Add a heaping teaspoon to a cup of milk or milk substitute, add a bit of ghee or coconut oil and bring to a simmer for your ojas-building nightcap.

Iodine HP: Current research suggests that iodine supports breast health in more ways than one: Iodine has been shown to offer a powerful anti-oxidant support for the breast tissue equal to that of vitamin C. When the breast tissue is deficient in iodine, there may be an increase in lipid peroxidation (cell damage), one of the first indicators of breast health risk. Low iodine levels have been shown to increase the amount of circulating estrogens in the breast. Consequently, iodine-deficient breast tissue has shown an increase of estrogen receptor proteins, making iodine-deficient breasts a target for toxic estrogens and thereby increasing the risk of breast health issues.

Iodine Deficiency Test: This is an in depth test to evaluate whole body sufficiency for Iodine. After ingesting a 50mg Iodoral® tablet, you collect your urine for 24 hours then mail in a small sample. With this test, Iodine sufficiency is determined by comparing the amount of Iodine taken to the amount excreted in the urine. Whole body Iodine sufficiency is reached when 90% or more of the ingested amount is excreted in the urine.

Lymph-Vein HP: Lymph-Vein HP (High-Potency) contains well-researched, citrus-based flavonoids in a unique micronized form for enhanced absorption and bioavailability. Research suggests that these compounds support healthy veins, capillaries, and blood flow; promote healthy lymphatic drainage; and enhance antioxidant activity and the body’s normal response to inflammation.

B-12 Boost: This large and hard-to-digest nutrient is also one of the most necessary for the brain and nervous system. Without enough of it (and studies indicate that the current medical standards for deficiency may be too low), we can experience a weakening of cognitive function – including memory and mood – and low energy levels. Motivation and drive are also bolstered by this nutrient. A sublingual form is the most effective and least invasive currently known way to boost B12 levels up to par.

Vitamin D3: Vitamin D3 is known as “the sunshine vitamin” because it is produced by human skin when exposed to sunlight. It can also be obtained from food sources such as fatty fish, eggs, and liver. Fortified dairy and other products are usually fortified with D2, which doesn’t absorb as does D3. Supplementation may be the best way to get needed vitamin d3 levels. It is a fat soluble vitamin that is needed for calcium metabolism and healthy bones.

Ashwagandha: Ayurveda considers Ashwagandha to be an overall health tonic. One of Ayurveda’s few natural ojas builders, this herb supports vitality, immunity, radiant health and longevity. Ashwagandha is considered to have herbal intelligence, as it can increase or decrease stress hormones like cortisol depending on the needs of the body.

Podcasts with Dr. John Douillard, DC, CAP are dynamic, hour-long lectures on a wide array of topics blending the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda with modern science! Most podcasts incorporate Live Q&A from our audience. You can join us for free, from anywhere in the world, using either your phone or computer.

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Christina, What about Shatavari? Also maybe coconut oil topically, as well as internally. Don’t fret too much – the dryness I experienced during menopause has completely disappeared. 🙂 I’m sure Dr. John will have more suggestions for you. Good luck!

In watching Dr. Douillard podcast on Women stressing and the driving ourselves and I thought that the pace of Dr. Douillard was so fast, seemly so stressful. This super fast paced talking seems contractory to what he was saying.
Otherwise, thank you, the information was wonderful!

Just a thought…. My grand daughter has been raised on a diet of mostly organic food with a small amount of meat. She lives in Toronto, Ontario where there is a large population. She got her period when she just turned ten. Could the reason be that the water they drink is municipal water? I would think that the water filtration systems are probably not equipped to remove the hormonal stimulating toxins which are dumped into the water system with every flush of the toilet.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of John Douillard. They are not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, and they are not intended as medical advice. They are intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of John Douillard and his community. John Douillard encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.